This page is a printable version of: https://www.iow.nhs.uk/getting-involved/become-a-member/become-a-member.htm
Date: 20 January 2021
Membership
By becoming an NHS Foundation Trust we will be accountable to our public and the local communities we serve through membership. We will have greater freedom and flexibility to determine how to deliver services which meet local priorities and deliver our aims. To view a short film about membership click here (link to You Tube).
Through membership, we will listen to your views and opinions which will help influence decisions and the Trust’s future. Members (aged 11 and over) will be able to vote for and elect a Council of Governors (members aged 18 and over). The Council of Governors will advise our Board on how we should provide and improve services. This will be achieved by ensuring the views of local people (members) are taken into consideration when decisions about healthcare are made.
Members can:
- Have a say in what we do
- Help shape our future plans for services and the Trust
- Receive a regular newsletter (one per household)
- Be involved in focus groups or surveys about our services
- Be invited to events and health talks
- Have access to a members area on our website (under development)
- Have access to a website providing discounts at high street retailers
- Elect Governors to represent their views
- Stand for election as a Governor
- Receive an invitation to the AGM/Annual Members Meeting
- Be involved as much or as little as they wish
However membership is not a ‘passport’ to faster or preferential treatment. Where possible, to minimise costs and ensure we spend the maximum amount on patient services, we will seek to communicate with members via e-mail and through our website.
But we recognise that members will want to choose the method of communication which suits them and other options, including by post and text, will be available.
Who can become a Member?
Following discussion with patients, Islanders and key stakeholders we are proposing that public membership will be open to anyone aged 11 and over, who:
- Is resident or works on the Isle of Wight; and/or
- Is the carer of someone who is currently receiving treatment provided by Isle of Wight NHS Trust.
We will use established mechanisms to ensure that the views of young people below the age of 11, prisoners and those who are under-represented are heard by the Council of Governors and the NHS Foundation Trust Board of Directors. All Isle of Wight NHS Trust staff and volunteers will automatically become members unless they choose to ‘opt out’.
Become a Member:
Click here to fill out an online form to become a member of the Trust or
Click here to download a membership leaflet.
Click here to download a membership poster
Keep up to date with the latest news
Find out what is happening in our services here.
Tell Us Your Views
Click here to find out how you can feedback to us about your experiences, along with how to raise any concerns, complaints or questions.
